page_title: Ford Taurus (third generation)
section_title: Export Models
hierarchical_section_title: Ford Taurus (third generation) / Variants / Export Models
caption_attribution_description: English: 1996 Ford Taurus (DP) Ghia sedan. Photographed in Miranda, New South Wales, Australia.
context_page_description: The third-generation Ford Taurus is an automobile that was manufactured by Ford from 1995 to 1999.
  The third generation of Ford Taurus was the first to be completely redesigned from the ground up, and used a rounded, oval-derived design that was very controversial at the time, considered to be the main reason for this model's downfall in the market. It was designed to appeal to buyers of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord — both of which were similarly styled — as well as to make Ford a design leader in the North American market, a title that was attributed to the Chrysler Corporation. Among the most controversial features of the design were both the front fascia that was composed of separate circular headlights, circular turn signals and the oval shaped rear window.
  This generation of Taurus was released for sale in late 1995 to mixed reactions from consumers. It managed to retain its status as the best selling car in America through the 1996 model year; however, this was achieved through heavy sales to car rental companies: only 49% of Taurus sales in 1996 were to private customers. Because of this, the Taurus lost its bestseller status in 1997 to the Toyota Camry.
context_section_description: In addition to being sold in the North American market, third-generation models were exported to many other countries, in left and right-hand drive configurations. However, this action proved unsuccessful. Export models wore Mercury Sable headlamps and a unique front bumper cover to conform to these countries' regulations regarding automotive lighting. Right-hand-drive versions used a hand-operated parking brake in the center console instead of a foot-operated parking brake as in North America. Australians tended to stay away from the Taurus, due to their high price; a well-equipped, larger-engined rear-wheel drive Ford Fairmont cost around the same amount. Australian buyers could only opt for a single-spec sedan, known as the Taurus Ghia. However, in New Zealand the Taurus was quite popular. While Australia only saw the sedan model and was sold in 1998, both the sedan and station wagon models were available in New Zealand. 
  Launched while Japan was in a recession following the 1991 collapse of the Japanese asset price bubble, this generation Taurus was exported to Japan in limited numbers, and sold at Japanese auto dealerships called Autorama (a joint venture with Mazda), where the sedan and wagon versions with right-hand driving positions until 1997. To Japanese buyers, it was regarded as a luxury vehicle as the exterior dimensions and engine displacement exceeded Japanese Government regulations, and buyers in Japan were liable for additional taxes. The engine displacement also put operating costs for Japanese owners in a higher annual road tax obligation.
caption: 1996–1998 Ford Taurus Ghia sedan (Australia)
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